First Smoking Martyr ; Landlord Who Let Customers Light Up After the Ban Faces 17,500 Fines
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Summary
A PUB landlord is the first person to be taken to court for flouting the new ban on smoking in public places. Hamish Howitt, a Scot who runs a bar in Blackpool, claims the ban breaches smokers' human rights. He has even set up a political party - Fight Against Government Suppression, or FAGS. After council officers repeatedly caught customers smoking at his Happy Scots Bar, Howitt was served with seven separate summonses to appear in court.
Owners and managers of pubs, clubs and cafes face fines of up to 2,500 if they fail to enforce the ban, so Howitt could face a total bill of up to 17,500 if he is convicted. Last night he said he would go to jail rather than pay any penalty, and vowed to take his case to the European Court of Human Rights. 'I'm not pro-smoking, just pro-freedom,' he said. 'Having a pint and a cigarette in a pub is one of the last great enjoyments left for the working classes. 'I'm not prepared to shove my customers outside in the wind and the rain to allow them their right to smoke. 'I believe this ban is tantamount to a hate crime. I won't pay the fine and will go to prison if necessary to make a point while I take this to the Court of Human Rights.' Howitt, who chairs the Lancashire resort's anti- disorder Pubwatch scheme, said serious law-breakers were given a slap on the wrist by comparison.See the full content of this document
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First Smoking Martyr ; Landlord Who Let Customers Light Up After the Ban Faces 17,500 Fines
'The same court that is charging me lets off criminals with caut...
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